2 November 2022 At Sea in the Red Sea
Up at 6:45am to watch 7am BBC News and to try and get organized after yesterday’s long day. Every spare minute was spent sharing photos, recording yesterday in my Journal, and sending a family email.
Today our daughter Ana is eligible to join AARP. She is celebrating her 50th. Happy Birthday, Ana! XO
I managed to get a good balcony seat for Kate Ross’s 10am African Enrichment lecture on China’s Influence in Africa. When I had researched Maputo, Mozambique, I printed a city map. Surprised to see Chinese names for some of the streets. I knew in general that China was influencing parts of Africa. Kate spelled it out in vivid detail.
Afterwards I got a cup of hot coffee from the Lido to bring to my room.
Later, my Lido lunch was the Asian chow mein, pork, and stir-fried vegetables. Completed with Bread Pudding and milk.
I tried to record the Captain’s noon announcement about our sailing into possibly dangerous waters. This repeated much of his letter that had been delivered to my room.
At 2pm our new guest lecturer, Nico Kotze of South Africa, spoke on “Africa the Dry Continent.” Overpopulation and poverty are complicated by China’s “colonization.” On top of that is water scarcity.
Tonight was “dressy,” so I wore the gaudy red Egyptian dress from Sharm El Sheikh a few years ago. We all compared notes about our different tours yesterday.
My dinner was the Escargot Bourguignon, Beef Tenderloin, Lemon Meringue Cheesecake, Beringer’s White Zinfandel, and decaf coffee.
Our 7pm World Stage entertainment was the Zaandam Singers & Dancers celebrating the one and only iconic legend — Elton John.
Waiting in my room were two dark chocolates, the Daily Program, and a dinosaur towel animal. Ellie the Elephant is gone. 😦
Photo Gallery, by Barbara Cummings
Cummings Family Adventures 